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Blogging Ideas

Share, brainstorm and test ideas for blogging here. Inspiration, ideation, process, avoid writer's block, etc.

Network Leader: Rebecca Thorman

Networks > Blogging Ideas

Stacy Does anyone know if there are any copywrite issues when using images from the web on your blog?

4 days ago from Blogging Ideas

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Aaron Roberts: Paulmacp (or anyone) please look at this link and tell me if you think I'm in the clear: MorePaulmacp (or anyone) please look at this link and tell me if you think I'm in the clear: http://demochron.com/2010/02/18/bill-maher-on-evan-bayh-tea-party-pres-o.... This is the CNN example I'm talking about. My assumption is if a video is shared and legit then any still image from it is implied free game. Thanks!
14 hours ago

paulmacp: Technically speaking, the screen shot is not legal, you derived it without permission but the embed video is legal.

If you want a ...MoreTechnically speaking, the screen shot is not legal, you derived it without permission but the embed video is legal.

If you want a legal picture of Bill Maher, go to his website and the media section. The media section of a person or company's website is for the expressed purpose of supplying images for use in publications (like blogs). http://www.billmaher.com/ All legal to use.
2 hours ago

Christina Brown Last week, I applied to the 2010 Talent Buzz Blog Post Contest. All you need to do is click the given link below, read my article Alice in Twitterland: How to Tweet Like A Rockstar, and share the ...MoreLast week, I applied to the 2010 Talent Buzz Blog Post Contest. All you need to do is click the given link below, read my article Alice in Twitterland: How to Tweet Like A Rockstar, and share the article with your friends online.

The more visits I have, the more likely I will win the $1,500 grand prize! Help spread the word! I worked very hard on this blog post and I want to show my witty charm with the world! The deadline is March 29, 2010.

Click this link: http://tinyurl.com/y8fn82q

2 days ago from Blogging Ideas

Bryan Cromlish: Hey Christina, I visited the site :)
2 days ago

Kaite Welsh For once, I'm in the mood to blog. It's something I want to start doing with greater frequency and I'm making a concerted effort to use my time more productively. The focus of my site is feminist ...MoreFor once, I'm in the mood to blog. It's something I want to start doing with greater frequency and I'm making a concerted effort to use my time more productively. The focus of my site is feminist and LGBTQ issues - anyone want to suggest a topic for me? Nothing's really grabbing my attention today.

4 days ago from Blogging Ideas

Caren: Jennifer Leitham is a great role model for transgender issues. My current focus is Gay-Straight Alliance in middle schools. Surprise! I am ...MoreJennifer Leitham is a great role model for transgender issues. My current focus is Gay-Straight Alliance in middle schools. Surprise! I am actually against any GLBT until 8th grade. Although many sites have "age-appropriate" lesson plans, kids seem to actually bully more in the 6th and 7th grades. High School students really do want info.
4 days ago

Andrea V. Lewis: Hi Kaite. Love the spelling of your name by the way! This past Valentines day I wondered out loud what the LGBT community thought of Valentines ...MoreHi Kaite. Love the spelling of your name by the way! This past Valentines day I wondered out loud what the LGBT community thought of Valentines day. I don't by into this holiday for many reasons and would love to hear your side of the story.

http://andreaveralewis.typepad.com/hello/2010/02/blah-blah-blah-love-and...

Anyhow that's my two cents. Happy writing!
4 days ago

Stanley Lee I have a blog entry that has 2500 words, mainly from the 5 examples supporting my point. Do you think it's much better to split it into separate entries, with one entry summing up those 5 examples ...MoreI have a blog entry that has 2500 words, mainly from the 5 examples supporting my point. Do you think it's much better to split it into separate entries, with one entry summing up those 5 examples so that the entry isn't too long?

4 days ago from Blogging Ideas

Stanley Lee recommended this

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Mark Mathson: Paul hit the nail on the head with his SEO insight. 4 posts would be better than the one overall from the 'robots' perspective, and easier to ...MorePaul hit the nail on the head with his SEO insight. 4 posts would be better than the one overall from the 'robots' perspective, and easier to digest from a 'human' perspective. Consider setting the posts to automatically post consecutively. Example: Start post one on Monday, then schedule other three to post on Tues,Weds,Thurs.
4 days ago

Sam Diener: I love long posts, but that is just me, and it really doesn't take into account the SEO insights or anything else. Sometimes it's easier as a ...MoreI love long posts, but that is just me, and it really doesn't take into account the SEO insights or anything else. Sometimes it's easier as a USER to have one post.

BTW, as a counterpoint to what mark has said, if you don't have a powerful site in google's eyes (which is most of us), then the chance of google or any search engine indexing more than 2/5 posts or so could be remote. Keep that in mind. I don't know what your site is though.
4 days ago

Jake Hey everybody, I've created a new network that is called "The Adventurous, Outgoing Free Men/Women MoreHey everybody, I've created a new network that is called "The Adventurous, Outgoing Free Men/Women http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/the-adventurous-outgoing-free-men. It's about all the people who go the extra mile, do something unusual and amazing, write a blog, and have a hobby or secret talent they would love to show to the world.
I hope you guys enjoy the idea and come join.

6 days ago from Blogging Ideas

Betsy Wallace We're trying to make this blog better:
MoreWe're trying to make this blog better:
http://wisconsin3rdsector.wordpress.com/

Goal: Create an online home for people to share ideas/take action/get creative about Wisconsin's third sector (basically nonprofits/social entrepreneurship,etc.).

I've seen the "buddy press" application used - maybe a solution? I don't know...

Also, maybe we should move to self hosted Wordpress? Open to any and all suggestions. Even the wacky ones. Maybe preferably the wacky ones...

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

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Betsy Wallace: @ Rebecca - thanks, I've done a little preliminary looking at Wordpress MU...

@Isao - Great idea, and again, simple which I love! ...More@ Rebecca - thanks, I've done a little preliminary looking at Wordpress MU...

@Isao - Great idea, and again, simple which I love! Funny that you commented on the personal touch. As a naturally fairly private person I thought awhile about that and decided to go for it. I'm always checking out other people's bios...it only seems fair and makes it more interesting! Thanks for the feedback.
1 week ago

Jed Cohen: Seems like you've already got some great suggestions. Quickly looking at your last five posts, I think you should consider adding in a bit more of ...MoreSeems like you've already got some great suggestions. Quickly looking at your last five posts, I think you should consider adding in a bit more of a call to action. I know it's a bit cliche, but I think that there's a lot of opportunities for it given the non-profit focus - most of these organizations are already trying to get the reader to do something, so it can't hurt for you to do the same. Examples include which YTVideo readers liked; what other skills would be useful for entry level non-profit jobs; the preferred flexible work options.

Also, I can't seem to find a link to an about page. You can get there manually if you're used to Wordpress (adding "about" at the end of the main URL). Your first time readers might want to know about your experience. And it seems like you two have a ton of it, so flaunt it! It'll also give you a place to clearly define what you want your blog to accomplish.
6 days ago

Tiffany Burke What happens when another blog says your name is infringing on their trademark? Some friends of mine have been asked to change their blog name because a larger blog claims it infringes on their ...MoreWhat happens when another blog says your name is infringing on their trademark? Some friends of mine have been asked to change their blog name because a larger blog claims it infringes on their trademark filings. The catch is that the "infringing" part of the name is a fairly commonly used phrase. For a little more information, you can read my blog post here: http://www.tzurin.net/?p=427 I personally feel like the larger blog is trying to bully them, but I'm not sure.

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

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Ryan Healy: I agree, play hardball and tell them to go for it. 99% of people are bluffing. If you find out they are not bluffing, then you can decide if you ...MoreI agree, play hardball and tell them to go for it. 99% of people are bluffing. If you find out they are not bluffing, then you can decide if you think they have a legitimate argument or not, but I wouldn't worry yet.
1 week ago

Isao Kato: What matters is they intended to do so and we all know this case it is a clear no. I hope your friend can fend those people off without poking ...MoreWhat matters is they intended to do so and we all know this case it is a clear no. I hope your friend can fend those people off without poking them back because that is what they actually want.
1 week ago

TOP IDEA: Daniel Sunshine I'm starting a new media innovation and trends group and would like to invite Brazen members to get in touch if you are interested in playing a roll. The group will identify top online and tech ...MoreI'm starting a new media innovation and trends group and would like to invite Brazen members to get in touch if you are interested in playing a roll. The group will identify top online and tech trends and will collaborate to create blog posts on the subjects. This is a great way to focus on topics that interest you and feature your insights to a broader audience. I used to head National Geographic's Gen Y Trends Group and love analyzing the impact of innovation. Post a comment if interested.

1 week ago from New Media Marketing, Blogging Ideas, Green Social Media, PR & New Media and Social Media Marketers 3 more

Andrew Shell and Sara Cope recommended this

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Sara Cope: Awesome!
1 week ago

Daniel Sunshine: I've started the group Innovation and Trends. The first step is for us all to join that group. Once there, share some ideas about what you would ...MoreI've started the group Innovation and Trends. The first step is for us all to join that group. Once there, share some ideas about what you would be passionate about creating a trend report on (blog post or presentation or both). I'll have a few ideas and next steps waiting.
1 week ago

Jake Hey everybody, well since yesterday I learned that The Rest Is Still Unwritten is about to end I have been in search of a blog that could give me something to cope with and to take the place of my ...MoreHey everybody, well since yesterday I learned that The Rest Is Still Unwritten is about to end I have been in search of a blog that could give me something to cope with and to take the place of my favorite read. Please if you know of an amazing blog then please comment and let me know.

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Jake: Just something that is a good read, fantastic literature, good responses, strong/powerful/meaningful blog posts, or whatever can keep up with ...MoreJust something that is a good read, fantastic literature, good responses, strong/powerful/meaningful blog posts, or whatever can keep up with something like that. Perhaps i'm asking for to much.
1 week ago

Timothy Johnson III: Hmm, could you be a bit more specific: What topics do you like reading about? Personal finance? Marketing? Technology? Sex & Sexuality? ...MoreHmm, could you be a bit more specific: What topics do you like reading about? Personal finance? Marketing? Technology? Sex & Sexuality? Computer games?
1 week ago

Andrea V. Lewis [Video] We're bloggers, not auto-bots. How do you keep up w/ comments on your blog?
More[Video] We're bloggers, not auto-bots. How do you keep up w/ comments on your blog?
http://vimeo.com/9929361

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

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Andrea V. Lewis: I know some of us have been keeping his convo rolling on twitter too. Many of us don't garner enough comments on our blogs yet to really have it ...MoreI know some of us have been keeping his convo rolling on twitter too. Many of us don't garner enough comments on our blogs yet to really have it effect our day-to-day lives like Modite and WordPost. I really appreciate your perspective on the whole topic. =]
1 week ago

Rebecca Thorman: Ha, well, I don't think it's the number of comments, but that I always feel like I need to respond thoughtfully to each one. Particularly because ...MoreHa, well, I don't think it's the number of comments, but that I always feel like I need to respond thoughtfully to each one. Particularly because when I comment on someone else's blog and they don't reply, I get annoyed. But that's where the time and energy get to be a bit much.
1 week ago

Stanley Lee I'm currently in the process of increasing the traffic to my blog. While I have been starting to use Twitter and stocking up multiple blog entries that are ready to be published, what would be ...MoreI'm currently in the process of increasing the traffic to my blog. While I have been starting to use Twitter and stocking up multiple blog entries that are ready to be published, what would be your recommendations to improving my blog? What do you think about my blog's theme, readability, photos, content quality, and consistency so far? I am also commenting other blogs that I'm interested in as much as I can. My blog's link is http://bit.ly/dn1bFW. Thanks.

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

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John Mattucci: Hey Stan, some immediate changes you could make to improve your website would be to create some hierarchy with your text. The font size of the ...MoreHey Stan, some immediate changes you could make to improve your website would be to create some hierarchy with your text. The font size of the blog article headlines are very close to your paragraph text size. Consider increasing its font size and changing it to a bright colour even (something that suits your theme).

Another immediate change to create some visual interest is replacing your solid background with a graphically interesting one. Check out this cool tutorial for what I'm talking about http://bit.ly/EegO1
1 week ago

Stanley Lee: I really appreciate all your comments. I would likely see someone locally and pay the money for improving it (hence it's not really slowing me ...MoreI really appreciate all your comments. I would likely see someone locally and pay the money for improving it (hence it's not really slowing me down, more so on how overwhelmed I am with other things), but I would also learn how to improve some of the things mentioned first as a learning experience. I still couldn't think of a better about page than what I have right now, even though I do see your points about its vagueness and lack of attractiveness.
1 week ago

paulmacp A good read... I need to pick up a copy of "elements of style" ... and that is a deliberate typo in the posts title... read more to understand why.

Credibility: Yours to Loose | MoreA good read... I need to pick up a copy of "elements of style" ... and that is a deliberate typo in the posts title... read more to understand why.

Credibility: Yours to Loose | http://www.grokdotcom.com/2010/03/05/credibility-yours-to-loose/ |

1 week ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas

Neeraj Bhushan I feel most of the successful bloggers blog about blogs on blogs. Howzzat?

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

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Neeraj Bhushan: In fact, top bloggers are top sellers. Selling blogs and blogging ideas to bloggers. Who other than bloggers are viewers, readers, followers. I ...MoreIn fact, top bloggers are top sellers. Selling blogs and blogging ideas to bloggers. Who other than bloggers are viewers, readers, followers. I doubt common people like to venture into this vicious blogosphere! And can we coin further terms like, blogoscipline [Blog + Discipline]?
1 week ago

Mehul Kar: I saw someone's desc. on twitter once that went something like this:

"I blog about tweets and tweet about blogging, and then ...MoreI saw someone's desc. on twitter once that went something like this:

"I blog about tweets and tweet about blogging, and then sometimes I tweet about tweeting and blog about blogging."

^^that's totally different from what it was, but you get the idea.
1 week ago

paulmacp A quick post of mine on "The Social Media Landscape"... a handy chart outlining the pro's and con's of the most popular Social Media sites.

MoreA quick post of mine on "The Social Media Landscape"... a handy chart outlining the pro's and con's of the most popular Social Media sites.

http://paulmacp.com/2010/03/the-social-media-landscape/

1 week ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Blogging Ideas and Personal Branding 1 more

Timothy Johnson III Does anyone use Tumblr as their blog service of choice? And if so, do you happen to know how to categorize various posting? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

3 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Timothy Johnson III: I'll take a look at Tumblr's tagging features and experiment with them, and see how that works out.
3 weeks ago

Timothy Johnson III: I finally figured out how to utilize the tags effectively. Thanks for the tips.
1 week ago

Timothy Johnson III Fellow Tumblr blog users, I finally figured how to allow selective posts to appear on your blog feed, by using tag filtering. Simple add a tag, like "#brazencareerist" to the tag field (minus "") ...MoreFellow Tumblr blog users, I finally figured how to allow selective posts to appear on your blog feed, by using tag filtering. Simple add a tag, like "#brazencareerist" to the tag field (minus "") and then use the format http://yourblogname.tumblr.com/tagged/nameoftag. Just an FYI!

1 week ago from Blogging Ideas

Annabel Candy I'd like to start a group of bloggers who stumble each other's blog posts. I've noticed a big bump in my blog traffic when my posts have been stumbled a few times in the past

I'd ...MoreI'd like to start a group of bloggers who stumble each other's blog posts. I've noticed a big bump in my blog traffic when my posts have been stumbled a few times in the past

I'd like to promote one post a week of mine in this way and would be happy to stumble other people's posts in return. I wonder if any other bloggers want to try it and what's the best way to get started? I've made a nework here called Brazen Bloggers so if anyone wants to try this please join and let me know:)

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Annabel Candy: Debbie - http://su.pr/2z47jj
1 week ago

DJ Morris: Funny, but I have been noticing the same trend...been running a few silent experiments with different pages and posts in my site. Google is really ...MoreFunny, but I have been noticing the same trend...been running a few silent experiments with different pages and posts in my site. Google is really starting to take not of social buzz and bookmarking. I just bookmarked all of these...my blog and site is all about real estate: http://jupiterflhomes.com
1 week ago

Giovanni Taylor-Peace I recently found a website called BookSneeze that provides free books to bloggers in exchange for a review (can be positive or negative) on their blog as well as the usual sites (i.e. Amazon, ...MoreI recently found a website called BookSneeze that provides free books to bloggers in exchange for a review (can be positive or negative) on their blog as well as the usual sites (i.e. Amazon, B&N, etc.) I think I can incorporate it into my blog but the question is will these reviews distract from my other blog content or even diminish it? Curious to see if other folks have heard of this program or have signed up already.

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Richard Dedor: I have been a member of BookSneeze for awhile - but I've only reviewed two books. For me, my blog is about personal development and growth, so I ...MoreI have been a member of BookSneeze for awhile - but I've only reviewed two books. For me, my blog is about personal development and growth, so I pick books that will fit into that genre.
2 weeks ago

Jeannie Chan: thanks! I've signed up. We'll see what happens!
1 week ago

paulmacp A great place to see how your blog stacks up is http://websitegrader.com . Just key in your URL and see a ...MoreA great place to see how your blog stacks up is http://websitegrader.com . Just key in your URL and see a report. I typically check my sites in the past every two or three months. The free report gives a lot of good advice.

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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John E. Bredehoft: Their blog-specific tool is blog.grader.com. Note that the "stats on posts by day of week" metric assumes Eastern time. In my case this is good ...MoreTheir blog-specific tool is blog.grader.com. Note that the "stats on posts by day of week" metric assumes Eastern time. In my case this is good (although I am in the western United States, I optimize my post times for Eastern time zone consumption), but if you're elsewhere in the world it may not be helpful. Your report continues to remain visible on the website - the report on my business blog can be found at the http://blog.grader.com/report/grade/empoprise-bi.blogspot.com/ URL.
2 weeks ago

Daniel Sunshine: Great resource - thanks for sharing!
2 weeks ago

Jessica Schanberg What do you do with your ego, your hurt ego, when no one comments, but you know there are readers out there? How do you get comments or feedback AND how do you deal with that feeling of being ...MoreWhat do you do with your ego, your hurt ego, when no one comments, but you know there are readers out there? How do you get comments or feedback AND how do you deal with that feeling of being alone out there?

5 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Jessica Schanberg: @paulmacp While I understand your pont, my objective as a blogger is to write down what I honestly feel about a topicand sometimes that is ...More@paulmacp While I understand your pont, my objective as a blogger is to write down what I honestly feel about a topicand sometimes that is controversial, but usually it's just sincere and I'm not trying to incite a debate necessarily. It's something to think about. @sadya I use googleanalytics to check my visitor counts.
2 weeks ago

sadya siddiqui: Jessica , how about putting a poll on some topic or what about putting a mini-form that just asks for the readers name&email. I'm throwing ...MoreJessica , how about putting a poll on some topic or what about putting a mini-form that just asks for the readers name&email. I'm throwing these ideas at you 'coz i'm gonna be trying this stuff for my blog too. i haven't worked seriously on my blog as yet , I'm shortlisting a few ideas & sprucing up my profile a bit. i suggest u try (i dunno how) to put a form at the START/TOP of the blog. I'm suggesting this because my day job is lead generation via online mktg and a form on ur own site is tried&tested formula.
2 weeks ago

Angie Roach Yes, I know that I need to move my blog from Blogger. I'm working on it - but in the meantime...my template is having issues when being viewed in Explorer...looks great in EVERY OTHER ...MoreYes, I know that I need to move my blog from Blogger. I'm working on it - but in the meantime...my template is having issues when being viewed in Explorer...looks great in EVERY OTHER provider...argh...anyone know anyone to help? www.theroachkid.blogspot.com

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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paulmacp: @Angie, I guess the real take-away from this thread is... always take a backup before you edit :-)
2 weeks ago

Lindsey M. Donner: Glad to hear you fixed it, Angie. Good advice from Paul! And I agree about Blogger. It's not too difficult to migrate your blog, whether to your ...MoreGlad to hear you fixed it, Angie. Good advice from Paul! And I agree about Blogger. It's not too difficult to migrate your blog, whether to your own server or another service, if you're using Blogger. You can ask me or others on this site for help when the time comes!
2 weeks ago

Kim N. Campbell What are your thoughts on repositioning your personal brand? When I started blogging it was in a non-goal oriented way. But now I have a better idea of what I'm drawn to writing about, and how I ...MoreWhat are your thoughts on repositioning your personal brand? When I started blogging it was in a non-goal oriented way. But now I have a better idea of what I'm drawn to writing about, and how I want to contribute to the conversation. So I want to change my blog name (from the neocapitalist to GenY-not) and host the blog at a personal website (kimncampbell.com). Have you guys repositioned your brand before? Smart move or just looks inconsistent and confusing?

2 weeks ago from Personal Branding and Blogging Ideas

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paulmacp: @Akhila, I guess this is where we agree to disagree, but I see a very different world than you. Most senior executives, politicians, movie stars, ...More@Akhila, I guess this is where we agree to disagree, but I see a very different world than you. Most senior executives, politicians, movie stars, news paper anchors, authors, et al. brand themselves.

Tom Clancy does not write cook books,
Donald Trump does not sell News Papers.

When you think of anyone who is a key note within their field you are looking at a Brand... and not an accidental brand, most are very deliberate but seem effortless.

Look at the Tiger Woods debacle, he was a brand that fell from grace… not a person. It was what we wanted to believe about him (his brand) that fell not the man himself.

Personal branding makes it easier to succeed, but without substance a brand will only get you so far, that being said, if you don’t substantiate a brand no one will ever notice your substance.

What do I mean by substantiate a brand. Let’s look at interpersonal relationships as a form of Brand Marketing. When a friend says to another friend who does not know you, that you are good people, or you could do the job he/she is vouching for your brand (your reputation). Allowing their credibility to be tied to yours. If you are all over the map with your friends about politics, about your work interests, about your personal ethics, who would the vouch for you. Being consistent with one’s self allows for recognition by your friends who they think you are (Your Personal Brand). The more consistent you are the more people who are willing to vouch for you brand as time goes on.

Personal Brand Marketing is a form of accelerated influence over other people. I would agree that some people are “faking it before they make it or deserve it” but that is a subjective not objective view. Who is to say, judge if someone else has done enough or a good enough job to justify their own opinions of themselves. I think the problems you allude to “I don't think people should sell themselves if their content is not good” is not with personal branding, but with a problem with technology being so readily accessible without rules, standards for its use. The blogosphere is a wild west without any real regulation. Journalism used to be as unregulated as the blogosphere is now. People said anything they wanted regardless of fact. Journalist now have to live under a strict code of conduct. The FTC recently passed a number of new laws that took effect last December, in an effort to regulate marketing claims made on the internet by bloggers. So things are changing, hopefully for the better.

Good chat, I am enjoying this exchange of perspectives.
2 weeks ago

paulmacp: Here is a link to a GREAT article on personal branding by Lisa Barone guest posting on copyblogger.com:

MoreHere is a link to a GREAT article on personal branding by Lisa Barone guest posting on copyblogger.com:

http://www.copyblogger.com/belly-dancing-personal-branding/
2 weeks ago

Emily Cagle Hi all,

Just thought I'd let you know that we've launched a little initiative to get people trading guest blog posts during March. We're using a Twitter hashtag to make it easier to ...MoreHi all,

Just thought I'd let you know that we've launched a little initiative to get people trading guest blog posts during March. We're using a Twitter hashtag to make it easier to connect with ppl: #BeMyGuest

We announced the idea about 4 hours ago.

All details here: http://bit.ly/bemyguest

Or check out the stream here: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeMyGuest - around 100 mentions so far and some really cool trades set up.

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

paulmacp: spam spam spam.

Did you post this again because you thought we missed it?
2 weeks ago

Stanley Lee I'm fairly new to blogging. I've seen some posts by other bloggers on the benefits of having guest posts, but I don't know what I should be doing to get myself into a position where I can put ...MoreI'm fairly new to blogging. I've seen some posts by other bloggers on the benefits of having guest posts, but I don't know what I should be doing to get myself into a position where I can put guest posts on my blog. Your thoughts? Should I be putting more efforts on improving my blog first and increasing readership?

2 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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paulmacp: 13 posts could be enough; you must take a hard look at the quality of them and how the site presents itself. You only have once chance at a first ...More13 posts could be enough; you must take a hard look at the quality of them and how the site presents itself. You only have once chance at a first impression. Someone swings over to your blog and can't engage because there is not enough content then they probably won't ever give your blog a second chance.

My blog has around 41 posts on it, but is still missing enough pointed content that would address/solve a problem someone has to be engaging. I think I am a month away before I am at that point. Putting your URL on your profiles is not really promoting your blog. Commenting on forums and other bloggers posts, that is promotion. It takes 3-4 months before Google lets a new site out of the sandbox, so that is how long you have before you will get any substantial traffic from Google if you have good SEO within your articles. That is when you want your blog to be sticky and have something with sticking around to read.

My blog is http://authors-journey.com if you want to have a peek. The domain is a week or so old, but it was merged in with a false start I had with a similar concept (2 months old).
2 weeks ago

Annabel Candy: Stanley - I think you need to get your own domain name and a more professional look for your blog before going for guest posts.

MoreStanley - I think you need to get your own domain name and a more professional look for your blog before going for guest posts.

Writing guest posts has been my most successful way of building traffic and subscribers to my blog and I thoroughly recommend it. I've had guest post on Problogger, Zen Habit and Dumb Little Man so far with more in the pipeline.

But you need to prove you're serious about blogging before you request guest posts. Keep at it:)
2 weeks ago